My A-500 trans installed behind my new 5.7 won't shift out of 1st for some reason. I checked the Lokar kickdown cable and there is no tension on it and appears to be adjusted correctly.
Some background about the trans. I pulled it from a 95 dodge van with a 318, so its hydraulic, not electronic. It had been rebuilt at some point in its life and was working well when I pulled it 4 years ago. I put a B&M shift kit in it and new filter and buttoned it back up and it sat for 3 years before I installed it. I didn't put fluid in it at the time, probably a mistake, but it has been stored indoors the whole time.
When I got close to starting the motor, I put fluid in it. Got the car running, put it in gear and it seemed to shift fine. It goes into 1st, reverse and park with no problems. I drove the car around the block and the motor was running like crap and it stalled. I got it running, put it in gear and it clunked. I checked the fluid and it was low, I ended up putting 2 more quarts in it. I can't believe a short trip at idle around the block would blow the trans, but it could have I suppose.
Can anyone think of a reason why this wouldn't shift? Is there a possibility I messed up the valve body installing the shift kit? I've done them before and had no problems. I may have included some upgrades out of Mopar Action at the same time.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Chris
